[From SF Opera, 6/24/04]
PAMELA ROSENBERG TO LEAVE POST AS SAN FRANCISCO OPERA'S GENERAL
DIRECTOR IN 2006
Association Begins Search for Successor
SAN FRANCISCO, CA. - The San Francisco Opera Association and
General Director Pamela Rosenberg announced today that Ms.
Rosenberg has elected not to renew her contract when it expires
on July 31, 2006.
San Francisco Opera Association President Karl Mills said the
Association would immediately commence an international search
for Ms. Rosenberg's successor.
"I am proud of the artistry I have helped bring to the Opera
House stage and am excited about what is ahead of us in the next
two years," Ms. Rosenberg said. "I am equally proud that the
San Francisco Opera is on the path to good health and, by 2006,
will be financially stable."
Ms. Rosenberg explained she had struggled with the decision to
leave the Opera. But after careful consideration she said, the
decision reflects a desire to increase her focus on new works
and productions. "My time in San Francisco has been extraordinary;
truly a time in my career I will always remember," she said.
"As I look to the next phase in my career, I want to find more
time to do what I love most, which is bringing new works to the
operatic stage."
Ms. Rosenberg also cited the distance between her work in San
Francisco and her children and grandchildren who live in Europe
as another important reason for her decision, "Being this far
from them has been more difficult than I anticipated," she
explained.
In a letter to Franklin Pitch Johnson, Jr., Chairman of the
Opera's Board of Directors, and Mr. Mills, Ms. Rosenberg
expressed gratitude to the Company, the Opera's Music Director
Donald Runnicles, the Board and the community for their support
and generosity. "The generosity of this community in its love
of opera and support for this Company is unequalled anywhere,"
she said, "I also wish to take this opportunity to thank Donald
Runnicles for being a wonderful artistic partner to me in every
way. Donald is one of the Company's most treasured assets." In
her remarks to the Board, Ms. Rosenberg added that she is
especially pleased that Runnicles has indicated his strong desire
to be an active part of this Company's artistic leadership beyond
2006.
Since joining San Francisco Opera in August 2001, Ms. Rosenberg
has added an impressive list of accomplishments to her credits
including exciting American premieres, many vibrant productions,
the introduction of new artists to the San Francisco audience
and the upcoming presentation of Doctor Atomic (2006), a new
opera by internationally recognized composer John Adams.
"Pamela has written an important new chapter in San Francisco
Opera's artistic history, one that has brought the Company new
levels of international acclaim and recognition," said Pitch
Johnson, "Her sense of craftsmanship, love of creating new works
and passion for every detail has given San Francisco opera lovers
a total experience where every element of the art comes together.
The Opera will continue to build upon her artistic leadership
and also upon its rich tradition of presenting opera performances
of the highest international quality to the widest possible
audiences."
Association President Mills added, "We have been very fortunate
to have Pamela as our leader. Under her stewardship, the Company
successfully turned the corner in our five-year plan to achieve
financial stability by 2006, while continuing to excite audiences
with exceptional artistic vitality."
Search for Replacement Begins
Mills said the Board would begin its search for Ms. Rosenberg's
replacement immediately. "The Board is committed to continuing
the legacy of artistic excellence that is at the core of San
Francisco Opera's 82-year history by conducting a far-reaching
search for a new General Director capable of carrying on the
grand traditions and high standards of this Company and this
community," Mills said.
Mills said that Opera Board member George Hume will serve as
Chair of the Search Committee. He added that the Association
has retained the search firm of Spencer Stuart to conduct the
search. "The involvement of Donald Runnicles and other members
of the Company, the community and leaders of the arts world will
be important to the search process," he said. "We have a clear
sense of strategic direction, but the first step will be to talk
to a lot of people and do a lot of listening."
Janos Gereben/SF [In Idaho, to 6/27]
www.sfcv.org
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